Swiping Both Cheeks: An Accidental Misperformance in MyHeritage DNA Testing

Recently, I accidentally misperformed my MyHeritage DNA test by swiping both cheeks instead of one. Concerned about the potential impact on my results, I delved into this common mistake and its implications for genetic analysis. Is this oversight a major issue, or will it yield negligible results?

Understanding the Importance of Correct Cheek Swab Technique

In DNA testing, precision is paramount. The correct technique involves swabbing just one inner cheek. This method ensures consistency and reliability in the collection of genetic material for analysis. I mistakenly swabbed both cheeks, wondering if this error would compromise the entire test.

Chimera Scenario: A Potential Complication

If you are a chimera, the genetic makeup of your cells might vary significantly between different parts of your body. In such cases, misperforming the swab could indeed lead to confusing or inaccurate results. However, for the majority of individuals, the effect of swabbing both cheeks is minimal.

The Science Behind DNA Swabbing

From a scientific perspective, both cheeks contain the same types of cells and DNA. When you use a cheek swab, you are collecting cells from the inside lining of your cheek. These cells contain your genetic material, making it unnecessary to swab only one cheek. In fact, both cheeks have the same genetic information, so the results shouldn’t be altered.

The Impact of Accidental Misperformance

Swabbing both cheeks instead of one can be considered more of a superfluous action rather than an error. Given that your DNA is the same everywhere you can swab, there is absolutely no impact on the final results. This is because the DNA collected from any part of the cheek is identical.

Even if your DNA tests suggest that you are unlikely to be a cow or a tuna (due to the recent consumption of beef or sushi), such results should be disregarded. As long as the swabs are done correctly, the genetic information remains consistent and reliable.

Relax and Reassure Yourself

Despite the initial concern, my misperformance with both cheek swabs turns out to be a non-issue. The MyHeritage test will still yield accurate and meaningful results. If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, rest assured that a double swab won’t significantly alter your DNA analysis.

To ensure reliability in future testing, always follow the instructions carefully. If you're unsure, you can reach out to MyHeritage support for guidance. Proper technique is essential for achieving the best results in DNA testing.